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I 

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1908 


What  It  Was 


What  It  Did»  and  How 


The  Boston  Conference 

of  the 

Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement 

November  13-22,  1908 


What  It  Was, 
What  It  Did,  and  How 


By  REV.  WARREN  P.  LANDERS 


Published  Jointly  by 

The  American  Board  of  Commissioners  for  Foreign  Missions  and 
The  American  Baptist  Missionary  Union 
of  Boston,  Mass. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2019  with  funding  from 
Columbia  University  Libraries 


I 


https://archive.org/detaiis/bostonconferenceOOiand 


CONTENTS 


PAGE 


The  Problem  Stated . 

Back  of  the  Boston  Conference  . 

Why  Boston? . 

The  Campaign  Launched . 

The  Organization  at  Work  .  .  . 

A  Program  Model . 

The  Sessions  Featured . 

How  It  was  Accomplished  .... 
A  Movement  that  Moves  .... 
Conference  Sentences  that  Weigh 
Missionary  Literature  for  Men  . 


5 

6 

7 

7 

11 

14 

17 

21 

21 

23 

24 


Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement 

XKe  Problem  Stated 

In  these  days  of  economical  administration  of  benevolences 
there  is  a  reason  for  the  appeal  made  by  the  Laymen’s  Mis¬ 
sionary  Movement.  The  problem  is  in  the  apparent  indiffer¬ 
ence  of  men  in  nominally  Christian  lands  to  the  welfare  of 
the  world  and  in  their  ignorance  of  the  actual  accomplishments 
of  the  missionary  enterprise.  Men  of  marked  business  gifts 
within  the  Church  have  not  made  the  real  business  of  the 
Kingdom  their  own.  Others  with  more  interest  have  failed 
to  realize  that  the  business  is  the  King’s  and  demands  haste. 

In  face  of  unparalleled  privileges,  the  men  of  the  Church 
Universal  have  not  risen  to  the  occasion.  The  women  have 
been  for  years  well  organized  for  advance  service.  But  only 
in  scattered  groups  has  this  been  true  of  the  men.  The  task 
assumed  by  the  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement  was  to 
arouse  the  indifferent;  to  create  through  missionary  intelli¬ 
gence  touching  social,  economic  and  spiritual  values,  an  appre¬ 
ciation  of  the  call  of  new  duties.  It  sought  to  make  Christianity 
at  home,  in  courage  and  ready  sacrifice,  more  nearly  compa¬ 
rable  to  that  of  the  couriers  and  soldiers  on  the  world’s  frontier. 
More  money,  every  Christian  man  a  giver  to  missions  —  this 
was  the  object.  Effected,  it  would  result  in  possible  enlarge¬ 
ment  instead  of  destructive  entrenchment  and  remove  forever 
the  unchristian  as  well  as  unbusinesslike  annual  deficits  of  the 
Boards.  To  secure  adequate  co-operation  with  the  mission¬ 
ary  societies  through  a  definite,  broad,  and  progressive  policy, 
was  the  purpose  of  the  Boston  Conference. 

That  the  problem  is  capable  of  solution  is  everywhere  evi¬ 
dent.  When  the  facts  of  increasing  responsibility  and  need^are 
presented,  men  answer  with  serious  and  devoted  consecration. 

5 


6 


The  Boston  Conference 


DacK  of  tKe  Boston  Conference 

The  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement  for  Boston  does  not 
compass  the  national  side  of  the  work,  nor  does  a  resume  of 
the  Conference  comprise  its  history.  Behind  it  lay  two  years 
enriched  by  prayer  and  intelligent  consideration.  The  greater 
Movement  arose  from  the  Havstack  commemorations  in  Wil- 
liamstown  and  New  York.  The  Boston  Conference  was  but 
the  latest  expression  in  “  the  uprising  of  men  for  world- 
conquest.” 

In  its  large  scope  the  Movement  is  simply  an  international 
and  interdenominational  co-operative  agency.  It  aims  to 
instruct  men  for  men’s  work.  It  organizes  and  directs  lay¬ 
men,  through  other  laymen,  for  their  largest  local  church 
efficiency  in  relation  to  the  great  foreign  missionary  enterprise. 
It  persuades  men  to  adopt  aggressive  policies  in  the  evangeli¬ 
zation  of  the  world  in  this  generation.  It  provides  a  true 
measure  of  the  devotion  of  men  to  the  Master  of  life. 

Causes  paramount  are  seen  in  the  unprecedented  opportu¬ 
nities  of  the  nearing  and  yet  remote  East,  and  in  the  Latin 
countries  of  our  own  hemisphere.  Ours  is  the  privilege  of 
completing  the  civilization  of  the  races.  Inspiring  motives 
are  disclosed  in  the  glory  and  progress  of  the  past  endeavors 
of  Christianity,  in  the  oncoming  fact  of  the  democracy  of  the 
nations,  and  in  the  expansion  of  a  “national  altruism ”  to  meet 
the  greater  truth  of  human  brotherhood.  There  is  a  new 
vision  which  makes  every  man  a  citizen  of  the  world.  Christ’s 
ideals  are  seen  to  be  increasingly  practical  in  the  life  of  every 
nationality.  There  is  an  unmistakable  sense  of  unity  within 
the  Church  as  she  hears  the  Master  apply  his  last  commission 
to  our  century,  —  the  Universal  Call  to  each  disciple. 

From  November  13  to  November  22,  1908,  these  ideals  and 
motives  focalized  upon  metropolitan  Boston.  Upwards  of 
four  hundred  churches  were  included  in  the  Conference,  from 


Laymen  s  Missionary  Movement 


7 


the  Baptist,  Congregational,  Episcopalian,  Methodist,  and 
Presbyterian  denominations.  Cordially  approved  by  Mis¬ 
sionary  Boards  in  the  United  States  and  Canada,  the  Confer¬ 
ence  found  promise  for  its  success  in  the  wonderful  campaign 
which  just  preceded  it  in  the  Dominion,  in  an  earlier  Move¬ 
ment  in  six  great  centers  upon  the  Pacific,  and  in  various 
communions  in  the  Southland. 

"WHy  Boston? 

Not  because  Boston  is  less  interested  in  world  evangelization 
than  other  great  centers  did  the  National  Committee  early 
turn  to  that  city  for  a  demonstration  of  the  possibilities  of  the 
Movement.  But  for  the  peculiar  traditions  of  Boston,  the 
historic  enthusiasms  with  which  the  city  has  ever  accepted 
the  missionary  enterprise,  the  strength  of  the  churches,  and  the 
fact  that  in  Boston  are  located  the  headquarters  of  two  of 
the  leading  foreign  missionary  Boards. 

But  chiefly  the  question  is  answered  in  the  purpose  to  make 
the  Boston  Conference  a  model  in  ideal  and  detail  for  the 
country  at  large.  Abundant  time,  the  utmost  care,  were 
therefore  given  to  its  planning.  Having  an  object  local  to 
every  city  in  the  nation,  the  Conference  aim,  program, 
method  of  administration,  and  results  have  special  value. 
The  story  of  the  Conference  is  offered  upon  that  principle. 

Every  session  had  a  distinct  idea.  Each  led  on  to  the  next. 
The  final  gathering  illustrated  the  purpose  of  the  whole,  for  it 
committed  the  denominations  as  a  unit  to  an  adequate  answer 
to  the  great  challenge  of  world-wide  brotherhood. 

XKe  Campaign  La\incHedl 

An  event  of  such  far-reaching  importance  could  not  start 
without  careful  study.  Early  in  the  summer  of  1908  first 


8 


The  Boston  Conference 


steps  were  taken  by  a  group  of  men  nearby  the  missionary 
Boards’  rooms.  In  September  an  information  blank  was 
issued  to  pastors  and  others.  Its  return  supplied  names  and 
addresses  of  ministers,  lay  officials,  chairmen  of  men’s  clubs, 
and  other  strong  men,  the  enlistment  of  whose  interest  would 
advance  the  missionary  cause  in  the  local  church.  In  tliis  way, 
by  October  1,  every  church,  through  pastors  and  hundreds 
of  laymen,  felt  the  new  beat,  and  a  Conference  organization 
was  completed. 

This  consisted  of  an  Executive  Committee  of  twenty-two 
business  men  from  the  denominations  interested  and  two  secre¬ 
taries.  Headquarters  were  secured  in  the  hospitable  home  of 
the  American  Baptist  Missionary  Union,  Ford  Building.  The 
personnel  of  the  organization  was  as  follows : 


EXECUTIVE  COMMITTEE 


Chairman,  Samuel  B.  Capen 

Vice-Chairman,  Robert  H.  Gardiner  Secretary,  Geo.  E.  Briggs 

Treasurer,  William  T.  Rich,  200  High  Street 


George  W.  Coleman  Harry  W.  Hicks 


Charles  R.  Magee 
Robert  Treat  Paine 
H.  W.  Peabody 
William  Shaw 
A.  Z.  Conrad 


H.  H.  Proctor 
Samuel  Usher 
Frankhn  W.  Hobbs 
Rufus  A.  Flanders 


Edward  H.  Haskell 
Albert  E.  Winship 
George  W.  Mehaffey 
Harold  Peabody 
Silas  Peirce 
S.  M.  Sayford 


James  M.  Forbush 
Executive  Secretary,  Frederick  H.  Means 

Assistant  Secretary,  Warren  P.  Landers 


SUB-COMMITTEES 

BUSINESS 

Samuel  B.  Capen,  Chairman 

George  E.  Briggs  Edward  H.  Haskell 
James  M.  Forbush  Harry  W.  Hicks 
Robert  H.  Gardiner  William  T.  Rich 


Laymen  s  Missionary  Movement 


9 


FINANCE 


Col.  Edward  H.  Haskell,  Chairman 


Henry  H.  Proctor 
Alonzo  R.  Weed 
O.  M.  Wentworth 
Herbert  A.  Wilder 
J.  M.  W.  HaU 
Frank  A.  Day 
Silas  Peirce 
Chas.  A.  Hopkins 
W.  N.  Hartshorn 
Thomas  Wood 


Sylvester  B. 
Matthew  Robson 
W.  H.  H.  Bryant 
Robert  H.  Gardiner 
H.  W.  Peabody 
Jacob  P.  Bates 
J.  Payson  Bradley 
Samuel  Ward 

F.  P.  Luce 

G.  W.  Coleman 
John  Carr 


Carter,  Vice-Chairman 
Everett  O.  Fisk 
Samuel  Usher 
W.  M.  Flanders 
WilHam  H.  Lincoln 
Wilham  V.  Kellen 
John  G.  Wright 
William  H.  BuUivant 
Preston  B.  Keith 
Wilham  T.  Rich 
Francis  O.  Winslow  , 


PUBLICITY 

Albert  E.  Winship,  Litt.D.,  Chairman 


SUNDAY  SERVICES  AND  PULPIT  ASSIGNIVIENTS 

Samuel  Usher,  Chairman 
Charles  R.  Magee  W.  E.  Witter,  D.D. 

F.  P.  Haggard,  D.D.  E.  E.  Strong,  D.D. 

C.  H.  Patton,  D.D. 


DENO^VHNATIONAL  GROUP  MEETINGS 


Geo.  W.  Mehaffey,  Chairman 

Baptist  Group 

C.  C.  Barry,  Chairman 
George^.  VJiitney  Emery  B.  Gibbs 


Henry  W.  Peabody 
O.  M.  Wentworth 
John  Carr 
Samuel  N.  Brown 
Stephen  Moore 
George  E.  Briggs 


Wm.  N.  Hartshorn 
Ernest  S.  Butler 
Harry  P.  Bosson 
James  M.  Forbush 
Wm.  W.  Main 
J.  Eveleth  Griffith 


Edwin  F.  Greene 


10 


The  Boston  Conference 


Congregational  Group 


H.  W.  Hi 
Jacob  P.  Bates 
Samuel  B.  Capen 
Frank  G.  Cook 
Lewis  A.  Crossett 
Frank  A.  Day 
Charles  A.  Hopkins 
Arthur  S.  Johnson 

Francis 


is,  Chairman 
H.  S.  Pomeroy 
H.  H.  Proctor 
Arthur  Perry 
Frank  W.  Stearns 
Samuel  Usher 
Arthur  H.  Wellman 
Herbert  A.  Wilder 
).  Winslow 


Episcopal  Group 

Geo.  S.  Self  ridge,  Chairman 
W.  H.  Swift  Thomas  P.  Beal,  Jr. 

James  Cooper  Joseph  Woods 

L.  L.  Street  Nathaniel  H.  Perkins 

Methodist  Group 

Geo.  W.  Taylor,  Chairman 
Frederick  D.  Fuller  Geo.  E.  Whittaker 

John  F.  Danskin  Matthew  Robson 


Presbyterian  Group 

Gilbert  M.  Stalker,  Chairman 
H.  A.  Manchester,  D.D.  Rev.  N.  J.  Sproul 


MEETING  OF  PASTORS  AND  THEOLOGICAL  STUDENTS 

A.  Z.  Conrad,  D.D.,  Chairman 


PUBLIC  MEETINGS 

Silas  Peirce,  Chairman 
F.  P.  Luce  Fred  C.  Mabee 

D.  M.  Claghorn  W.  B.  Van  Valkenburgh 

NOON  PRAYER  MEETINGS 

S.  M.  Sayford,  Chairman 
Charles  H.  Rutan  Thomas  Wood 

Herbert  E.  Fales  Charles  D.  Kepner 

R.  S.  Douglass  Daniel  A.  McKay 


Laymen  s  Missionary  Movement 


11 


IVIEN’S  DINNER 

Samuel  B.  Capen,  Chairman 
John  F.  Colby  Vernon  B.  Swett,  Treasurer 

LOCAL  CHURCHES 

James  M.  Forbush,  Chairman 
E.  I.  Aldrich  WiUiam  McCurda 

John  P.  McPherson 

HALLS 

Franklin  W.  Hobbs,  Chairman 
MUSIC 

Harold  Peabody,  Chairman 
Herbert  C.  Peabody 

PRINTING  AND  POSTERS 
Rufus  A.  Flanders,  Chairman 


STATISTICS 

Robert  Treat  Paine,  Chairman 
Hamilton  S.  Conant  H.  N.  Lathrop 


XHe  Organization  at  "WorK 

The  Business  Committee  met  weekly  and  to  it  came  matters 
of  the  largest  moment:  the  program,  reports  from  sub-com¬ 
mittees,  the  authorizing  of  expenditures.  It  guided  the  Con¬ 
ference. 

The  Finance  Committee  successfully  undertook  the  raising 
of  the  budget  of  $2,700.  This  was  a  relatively  small  amount, 
considering  the  character,  range,  and  practical  power  of  the 


12 


The  Boston  Conference 


Conference.  The  Committee’s  methods  were  operated 
through  personal  and  signed  appeals  to  the  great  body  of  lay¬ 
men  making  up  the  social  and  religious  Men’s  Clubs  of  the 
metropolis. 

The  field  of  Publicity  was  wide.  Early  in  October  the  city 
and  religious  press  having  headquarters  in  Boston  were  given 
prepared  articles  upon  the  Conference.  Personal  interviews 
were  had  with  editors  and  reporters.  Photographs  and 
sketches  of  speakers  were  supplied.  Manuscripts  and  ad¬ 
vance  notices  were  distributed  at  the  sessions.  The  facilities 
and  courtesies  accorded  the  papers  were  appreciated  in  the  * 
large  space  given  to  the  very  details  of  the  meetings.  Besides 
thousands  directly  touched  by  the  speakers,  the  press  added  its 
tens  of  thousands.  For  a  comparatively  small  expense  in 
typewriting  this  investment  paid  great  dividends. 

The  Denominational  Group  Committee  had  in  hand  a 
matter  of  much  importance.  Thursday  was  given  over  to 
their  work.  Each  denomination  organized  separately,  planned 
distinct  programs,  and  the  inspirational  addresses  of  the  Con¬ 
ference  found  response  in  the  adoption  of  forward  measures. 

What  w^as  in  reality  the  first  session  was  assigned  to  the 
Committee  on  the  Meeting  of  Pastors  and  Theological  Stu¬ 
dents.  In  answer  to  invitations  sent  to  the  half  dozen  divinity 
and  training  schools  of  the  vicinity,  and  the  call  of  the  local 
Evangelical  Alliance,  this  Monday  morning  meeting  became 
a  clear  summons  for  the  week. 

The  Public  Meetings  Committee  arranged  for  the  details  of 
sessions,  ushers,  entrance  placards,  the  distribution  of  the 
hymn  leaflets.  In  this  service  members  of  the  Student 
Volunteer  League  were  active. 

Care  and  prayerful  planning  by  the  Noonday  Meetings 
Committee  resulted  in  the  attendance  of  hundreds  at  these 
devotional  services  of  spiritual  uplift.  A  musical  leader  and 
soloist  added  effectiveness. 


Laymeris  Missioriary  Movement 


13 


Pressing  the  Men’s  Dinner,  as  central  in  importance  to  all 
the  other  meetings,  the  Committee  on  that  function,  organ¬ 
ized  with  secretary  and  treasurer,  drew  together  five  hundred 
men.  This  feature  afforded  opportunity  for  an  outline  of  the 
week’s  policy  and  for  a  personal  appeal  to  secure  the  largest 
possible  attendance  at  all  sessions. 

The  Local  Church  Committee  secured  to  the  Conference  the 
cumulative  influence  of  auxiliary  meetings.  Union  services 
were  held  in  suburban  cities.  Conference  speakers  had  a 
share  in  the  Pleasant  Sunday  Afternoons  of  the  historic  Old 
South  Meeting  House.  For  these  the  Committee  on  Sunday 
Services  and  Pulpit  Assignments  supplied  the  messengers. 
This  latter  committee  rendered  invaluable  service  in  placing 
men  of  reputation  and  experience  in  the  pulpits  of  the  metro¬ 
politan  district  on  the  two  Conference  Sundays.  The  plan 
of  introducing  missionaries  and  laymen  to  churches  of  different 
denominations  was  most  effective. 

A  large  item  of  the  budget  was  the  securing  of  auditoriums ; 
this  was  in  the  hands  of  the  Halls  Committee.  The  Printing 
and  Poster  Committee,  as  indicated  by  its  name,  increased  the 
matter  of  publicity  by  utilizing  space  in  shops  and  centers 
where  men  most  do  congregate.  A  valuable  feature  of  the 
sessions  was  the  Hymn  Leaflet  arranged  by  the  Music  Com¬ 
mittee  which  also  secured  organists  and  planned  the  Recital 
for  the  closing  night. 

Upon  the  task  of  the  Statistics  Committee  rested  the  prac¬ 
tical,  upward  movement  of  the  Conference.  Gathering  from 
the  published  year-books  of  the  denominations  facts  relating 
to  membership,  gifts  for  American  benevolence  as  well  as 
foreign  missionary  offerings,  it  ascertained  the  average  amount 
per  member  given  to  the  world  enterprise.  These  facts,  in  the 
chart-form  given  on  page  19,  faced  the  great  audiences  of  men 
at  each  session.  The  proposed  increase  by  the  various  denomi¬ 
national  groups  was  based  upon  the  findings  of  this  committee. 


14 


The  Boston  Conference 


A  Program  Model 

The  National  Committee  do  not  insist  that  every  city  shall 
follow  in  detail  the  program  of  the  Boston  Conference,  but 
it  holds  that  the  features  which  it  emphasized  are  inclusive. 
They  cover  the  need.  They  indicate  in  their  development 
how  to  meet  the  great  defects  which  called  the  Movement  into 
existence.  The  sessions  were  not  ends  in  themselves,  but 
formed  parts  of  a  well-planned  whole.  It  is  suggested  that 
the  outline  given  below  be  carefully  studied  by  all  communi¬ 
ties,  large  or  small,  proposing  to  awaken  a  response  from 
the  men  of  the  churches  in  behalf  of  world  evangelism.  The 
program  follows. 


FRIDAY 

Preparation  Day,  November  13 

AU  the  cominittees  having  in  charge  the  planning  of  the  campaign 
win  meet  in  the  lecture  room,  Park  Street  Church,  at  4  o’clock. 

SATURDAY 

Annual  meeting  of  the  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement,  Hotel 
Brunswick,  at  10.30  a.m.  and  2  p.m. 

SUNDAY 

Inspiration  Day,  November  15 

For  pulpit  assignments,  both  morning  and  evening,  see  announce¬ 
ments  in  the  city  daily  press. 

MONDAY 

Pastor’s  Day,  November  16 

At  10.30  A.M.,  in  Park  Street  Church,  there  will  be  a  union  meeting 
of  pastors  and  divinity  students. 

This  is  one  of  the  regular  sessions  of  the  Boston  Evangehcal  Alli¬ 
ance. 


Laymen  s  Missionary  Movement 


15 


The  Dinner,  5.30  O’clock 

One  of  the  most  important  features  of  the  Conference  will  be  the 
INlen’s  Dinner  at  Converse  Hall,  the  main  auditorium  of  Tremont 
Temple. 

Social  hour,  5.00,  in  Lorimer  Hall.  Tickets  for  dinner,  $1.00. 
Applications  will  be  received  from  each  church,  whether  from  those 
specially  invited  or  not.  They  will  be  honored  in  order  of  their 
receipt  so  far  as  is  consistent  with  an  interdenominational  and  a  geo¬ 
graphical  distribution. 


TUESDAY 

First  Institute  Day,  November  17 

J.  Campbell  White,  General  Secretary  of  the  Laymen’s  Movement, 
will  conduct  a  study  of  practical  problems  in  developing  missionary 
interest,  from  3  to  5,  in  Park  Street  Church  lecture  room. 

This  is  for  men  who  wish  to  help  accomplish  in  their  own  churches 
the  objects  of  this  Conference. 

Stewardship  Mass  Meeting 
Tremont  Temple,  7.45  P.M. 

No  tickets  will  be  required  for  this  meeting. 

Topic:  “  Stewardship;  or  the  Right  Use  of  Money  for  a  Christian.” 

WEDNESDAY 

Second  Institute  Day,  November  18 

Second  Institute  for  the  consideration  of  methods  and  mission 
studies. 


A  Meeting  for  Church  Officers 
Tremont  Temple,  7.45  PM. 

Admission  by  ticket  only.  These  have  been  distributed  under  the 
direction  of  the  Denominational  Committees  to  420  churches  of 
Greater  Boston.  This  meeting  is  designed  for  the  prominent  officials 
of  these  churches,  including  pastors,  clerks,  treasurers,  Sunday-school 
superintendents,  elders,  deacons,  stewards,  vestrymen,  and  others. 


16 


The  Boston  Conference 


THURSDAY 

Denominational  Day,  November  19 

A  strong  committee  has  arranged  for  important  and  valuable  gath¬ 
erings  of  the  Conference  by  denominations.  This  plan  provides  for 
a  separate  and  definite  study,  by  the  churches,  of  the  purposes  and 
needs  of  their  own  mission  boards. 

FRIDAY 

Local  Church  Day,  November  20 

There  will  be  no  central  meeting  of  the  Conference. 

Each  local  church  is  free  to  arrange  its  own  program. 

SATURDAY 
November  21 

There  will  be  no  session  of  the  Conference  on  Saturday. 

A  special  Conference  Committee  will  meet  in  the  Social  Union 
Room,  second  floor,  Ford  Building,  at  2  p.m.,  to  outline  pohcy  for  the 
Metropolitan  District  as  well  as  to  draw  up  its  report  for  the  closing 
session.  Symphony  Hall,  Sunday  evening. 

SUNDAY 
November  22 

For  pulpit  assignments,  see  announcements  in  the  city  and  suburban 
press. 

Symphony  Hall,  7.45  p.m. 

Symphony  Hall  will  witness  the  closing  session.  Admission  will  be 
by  ticket.  Hour  of  meeting,  7.45.  Doors  open  at  7. 

The  progress  of  the  Coihlerence  will  be  reported  and  a  definite 
policy  projected. 

Addresses  will  also  be  given. 

TUESDAY-FRIDAY 
Noonday  Prayer  Meetings 

Led  by  men  of  wide  reputation,  the  Noon  Meetings  at  Park  Street 
Church  will  be  important  and  far-reaching. 


Laymen  s  Missionary  Movement 


17 


If  you  are  unable  to  be  present  at  these  Noonday  Meetings  or  other 
sessions  of  the  Conference,  will  you  not  remember  the  services  in 
prayer  at  your  home  or  place  of  business,  that  a  new  Spirit  of  Missions 
may  come  to  the  men  of  the  day  ? 

XHe  Sessions  Featured 

A  SPECIAL,  reason  existed  for  each  of  the  different  sessions. 
The  Conference  held  as  its  purpose  the  dispelling  of  popular 
misconceptions  regarding  not  only  the  value  of  missionary 
effort,  but  of  the  possibility  of  immediate  success  if  undertaken 
with  business  instinct.  It  had  before  it  constantly  the  chal¬ 
lenge  that  one  half  of  the  world  does  not  yet  know  of  Jesus 
Clirist.  It  believed  that  the  establishment  of  Christian  house¬ 
holds,  schools  and  churches  called  for  the  largest  consecrations. 

Sundays  were  inspirational  days.  Nearly  two  hundred 
congregations  were  touched  as  living  centers  by  men  who  had 
thought  deeply  upon  the  King’s  business,  or  had,  as  well, 
known  live  problems  on  the  missions  field.  The  great  meet¬ 
ing  of  Trinity  (Episcopal)  and  the  Old  South  (Congregational) 
churches  of  Boston  proved  impressive  and  powerful.  All 
these  gatherings  gave  the  week’s  sessions  large  impetus. 

On  Monday  the  clergymen,  active  and  prospective,  of  the 
Metropolitan  District  assembled  in  Park  Street  Church  in 
the  forenoon  to  learn  the  definite  scope  of  the  Movement. 
Addresses  were  given  by  Secretary  Arthur  S.  Lloyd  of  the 
Domestic  and  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the  Episcopal 
Church,  and  by  Mornay  Williams,  Esq.,  vice-president  of  the 
Laymen’s  Movement. 

At  5.30  came  the  Dinner,  ticketed  at  one  dollar  per  plate. 
Five  hundred  laymen  of  several  denominations  broke  bread 
together  and  heard  the  keynotes  of  the  Conference,  as  well  as 
personal  appeals  to  a  broader  and  deeper  consecration.  The 
speakers  were  Bishop  William  I^awrence,  of  Massachusetts; 
Silas  McBee,  editor  of  The  Churchman ;  Col.  Elijah  W.  Hal- 


18 


The  Boston  Conference 


ford;  and  Secretary  J.  Campbell  White  and  President 
Samuel  B.  Capen  of  the  Laymen’s  Movement. 

These  representative  men  definitely  outlined  the  spirit  and 
goal  of  the  Conference.  After  a  review  of  the  great  world 
opportunities  and  the  inadequate  response  of  the  churches, 
the  question  was  clearly  put,  Will  you  now  intelligently 
ASSUME  YOUR  SHARE  OF  THE  WORLD’s  REDEMPTION  ?  It  WaS 
stated  that  each  succeeding  session  of  the  Conference  would 
move  steadily  toward  a  reply  to  this  imperative  inquiry.  Over 
the  platform  in  great  letters  and  numerals  hung  the  chart  here 
reproduced.  The  result  of  many  weeks  of  investigation,  it 
was  at  all  sessions  the  object  of  careful  study  and  did  much 
to  insure  the  later  response. 

L 

Tuesday:  Realizing  that  there  are  successful  methods  of 
developing  the  spirit  of  giving  which  expedite  the  scheme  of 
benevolence,  the  General  Secretaries  of  the  Movement, 
Messrs.  White  and  Pierce,  conducted  afternoon  Institutes  from 
3  to  5,  open  to  men  only.  After  introductory  addresses  cover¬ 
ing  the  general  field  of  procedure,  free  discussion  gave  room 
for  the  largest  inquiry  and  satisfactory  study.  The  range  is 
indicated  by  the  topics ;  How  to  bring  the  missionary  work 

OF  THE  CHURCH  TO  ITS  HIGHEST  EFFICIENCY  and  ThE  PRE¬ 
PARATION  OF  LAYMEN  FOR  EFFECTIVE  MISSIONARY  LEADERSHIP. 

So  successful  WTre  these  Training  Schools  announced  by  pro¬ 
gram  that  a  session  was  also  held  on  Friday. 

The  Stewardship  Mass  Meeting:  The  Conference  recog¬ 
nized  that  a  right  view  of  stewardship  is  essential  to  its  success¬ 
ful  propagation.  No  tickets  were  required  for  this  Tuesday 
evening  session  and  upwards  of  two  thousand  men  were 
present.  The  theme  was  forcibly  presented  by  Robert  E. 
Speer  of  the  Presbyterian  Board  of  Missions,  Dr.  Samuel  M. 
Zwemer  of  Arabia,  and  Secretarv  White. 

On  Tuesday  also,  continuing  through  Friday,  were  begun 
the  Noonday  Prayer  Meetings.  Addressed  by  Secretary 


STATISTICS  FOR  THE  CHURCHES  OF  GREATER  BOSTON 


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20 


The  Boston  Conference 


White,  Rev.  Sumner  R.  Vinton  of  Burma,  Dr.  Ozora  S.  Davis 
of  New  Britain,  Conn.,  and  President  John  H.  T.  Main  of 
Iowa  College,  these  hour  services  proved  helpful  auxiliaries 
in  the  campaign. 

A  feature  not  before  attempted  by  the  Movement  was  the 
Session  for  Church  OflScers,  on  W^ednesday  night.  Admitted 
by  ticket,  prominent  leaders  holding  office  in  the  metropolitan 
churches,  with  pastors,  made  a  great  host,  fully  a  thousand 
being  present.  Charles  A.  Rowland,  a  merchant  from  Geor¬ 
gia,  and  Secretary  White  emphasized  the  responsibility  of 
officials  in  the  forward  movement.  Dr.  James  I.  Vance,  of 
Newark,  N.  J.,  addressed  the  clergymen  upon  “  The  Minister 
the  Key  to  the  Situation.”  This  was  one  of  the  mightiest 
sessions  of  the  Conference.  Nothing  like  it  had  ever  been  held 
in  Boston. 

With  gathering  force  the  Conference  came  on  Thursday  to  a 
consideration  of  the  specific  responsibility  of  each  denomina¬ 
tion.  Men  of  the  five  communions  discussed  their  own  mis¬ 
sionary  enterprises  and  adopted  resolutions  creating  new 
enthusiasm  and  larger  response  to  opportunity.  These  assem¬ 
blies  varied  in  character,  one  holding  a  supper,  another  meet¬ 
ing  at  the  noon  hour.  They  were  in  part  social  or  devotional, 
but  each  practical  and  reporting  progress. 

Friday  saw  no  central  session,  but  in  scores  of  churches 
the  weekly  service  was  used  to  emphasize  the  messages  of 
the  Conference  and  to  apply  to  the  local  field  lessons  from 
the  mass  meetings,  institutes,  and  devotional  hours. 

The  culminating  feature  of  the  Conference  was  the  crowded 
Symphony  Hall  session  of  Sunday  night.  It  was  definitely 
planned  to  gather  up  the  forces  operating  through  the  week 
and  to  set  the  result  of  the  denominational  meetings  before  the 
entire  Boston  Conference.  In  a  series  of  thoughtful  and 
practical  resolutions  a  distinct  policy  was  projected  looking  to 
a  definite  and  large  increase  in  gifts  to  foreign  missions.  It 


Laymen  s  Missionary  Movement 


21 


was  heartily  adopted.  The  addresses  of  Dr.  WiKred  T. 
Grenfell  and  Secretary  White  were  factors  in  preparing  the 
way  for  the  exceptional  impression  made  by  this  great  meeting. 


H  ow  It  was  -A.ccomplisKed 

The  great  task  undertaken  was  successfully  carried  forward 
by  the  Boston  Committee  through  team-work.  There  was  a 
clear  vision  of  what  was  imperative  and  the  values  to  be  gained. 
Behind  the  men  of  the  foreground  stood  larger  groups. 
There  was  co-operation  within  the  churches.  Denominational 
headquarters,  both  in  the  city  and  in  New  York,  collaborated. 
Broad  planning  upon  practical  lines  assured  the  results.  And 
with  all  activities  went  a  prayerful  spirit. 

A  Movement  tKat  Moves 

It  is  often  said  that  men  are  interested  in  “  a  going  concern.” 
This  recommends  the  plans  and  results  of  the  Boston  Confer¬ 
ence.  Business  men  were  attracted  into  the  circle  of  active 
advisers  and  actual  participants.  Other  cities  may  not  need 
as  many  committees,  as  many  places  of  assembly,  may  not 
attempt  to  cover  so  wide  a  field  in  discussion,  nor  to  touch  as 
many  central  points;  but  if  it  is  clearly  evident  that  the  Con¬ 
ference  proposes  “to  do  something  worth  doing,”  men  of 
affairs  will  give  time  and  money  to  aid  it  on. 

And  in  Boston,  as  elsewhere,  the  Conference  did  not  end 
all.  It  was  merely  a  start  toward  a  goal.  At  once  the  awak¬ 
ened  laymen  organized  for  a  campaign  in  their  own  churches. 
Methodists  fell  into  line  with  the  national  apportionment. 
Presbyterians  accepted  a  five-dollar  per  member  standard  by 
weekly  offerings.  The  Congregationalists  and  Baptists  raised 
up  permanent  local  committees  to  advance  gifts.  The  Epis- 


22 


The  Boston  Conference 


copalians  are  already  fired  with  life  in  response  to  the  appeals 
of  the  Conference. 

Thus  the  message  of  Boston,  ’08,  is  being  made  effective. 
The  Conference  was  active  about  a  supreme  and  vital  matter. 
Increased  gifts  are  expected  because  business  methods  are  to 
be  applied  to  the  Christian’s  Great  Business  as  he  applies  them 
to  his  private  affairs  when  they  succeed.  Missionary  com¬ 
mittees  are  now  at  work  within  the  churches  among  men. 

Through  the  Conference  there  has  been  an  enrichment  of 
personal  life  and  a  developing  sense  of  unity  among  the 
Protestant  forces  of  the  city.  Upon  the  mass  of  men  who  can 
be  aroused  by  great  ethical  and  spiritual  truths,  the  impression 
was  made  that  “  playing  at  missions  ”  must  now  cease.  To¬ 
gether  as  denominations,  Christians  are  pushing  ahead  for  the 
sake  of  opportunity  and  privilege.  This  Conference  means 
the  uprising  of  the  Christian  men  of  Boston  for  World  Con¬ 
quest. 


Laymen’s  Missicniary  Movement 


23 


Men  to  Men 

Conference  Sentences  that  Weigh 

The  scheme  of  salvation  is  a  world  scheme,  and  we  must  go  about 
it  on  that  basis.  —  Elijah  W.  Halford. 

If  Christianity  does  not  dominate  the  heathen  East,  the  heathen 
East  will  dominate  Christianity.  —  Bishop  William  Lawrence. 

No  man  has  money  enough  to  discharge  his  obligation  to  God.  — 
J.  Campbell  White. 

This  movement  is  born  of  the  burden  of  a  great  responsibility  and 
the  inspiration  of  a  great  hope.  —  Mornat  Williams. 

The  unexampled  opportunity  of  the  non-Christian  world  is  a  chal¬ 
lenge  to  the  Church  at  home.  —  Samuel  B.  Capen. 

Express  to  the  members  of  the  Conference  my  deep  interest  in  this 
Movement  and  my  earnest  hope  that  the  Conference  may  exert  a 
far-reaching  influence.  —  Gov.  Charles  E.  Hughes. 

“  God  so  loved  the  world  ” ;  what  are  we  laymen  going  to  do  about 
it?  —  Silas  McBee. 

We  are  working  for  a  grand  consummation  in  the  Ejngdom  of  God : 
until  it  is  reached  every  moment  is  critical.  —  Rev.  S.  R.  Vinton. 

The  cheapest  thing  any  man  can  give  to  a  great  cause  is  money.  — 
J.  Campbell  White. 

Our  churches  should  take  the  psychological  moment  and  do  it  now. 

—  Lyman  L.  Pierce. 

All  things  are  ours  just  for  the  great  uses  and  ministries  of  God.  — 

—  Robert  E.  Speer. 

One  tenth  of  the  men  in  the  Church  have  been  doing  nine  tenths 
of  the  work.  —  Samuel  M.  Zwemer,  D.D. 

This  Movement  is  the  surest,  speediest,  and  only  way  of  saving  the 
Church  at  home.  —  J.  Cambpell  White. 

See  to  it  that  missions  are  given  a  chance;  put  the  work  on  a  busi¬ 
ness  basis.  —  Charles  A.  Rowland. 

Christian  union  —  the  union  of  all  denominations  —  is  the  great 
need.  —  Hon.  Robert  Treat  Paine. 

God’s  business  must  hereafter  be  the  business  of  every  Christian 
man.  —  Marion  D.  Eubank,  M.D. 

Life  is  an  adjustment  to  human  needs.  —  Pres.  John  H.  T.  Main. 

What  this  age  needs  is  passion  expressed  in  service.  —  Ozora  S. 
Davis,  Ph.D. 

What  are  you  doing  with  your  lives  ?  God  is  asking  you  every  day. 

—  Wilfred  T.  Grenfell,  M.D. 


24 


The  Boston  Conference 


Missionary  Literatvire  for  Men 

The  Uprising  of  Men  for  World-Conquest. 

Samuel  B.  Capen,  LL.D. 

The  Urgency  and  Crisis  in  the  Far  East. 

John  R.  Mott. 

Our  Share  of  the  World. 

J.  Campbell  White. 

Missions  and  Civilization. 

Hon.  William  H.  Taft. 

The  Haystack  Prayer  Meeting. 

Edward  Warren  Capen,  Ph.D. 

The  Non-Christian  Religions  Inadequate. 

Robert  E.  Speer,  M.A. 

The  Place  of  Missions  in  the  Thought  of  God. 

Robert  E.  Speer,  M.A. 

The  Wonderful  Challenge  to  This  Generation. 

Robert  E.  Speer,  M.A. 

The  Interest  of  the  Nation  in  the  Missions  of  the  Church. 

J.  A.  Macdonald. 

Prayer  for  Missions. 

Professor  Warneck. 

The  Opportunity  of  the  Hour. 

George  Sherwood  Eddy. 

The  Supreme  Business  of  the  Church. 

George  Robson,  D.D. 

What  Business  has  a  Business  Man  with  Foreign  Missions? 

S.  M.  Zwemer,  D.D. 

Consecration. 

John  R.  Mott. 

Tithing,  a  Christian  Duty. 

O.  P.  Gifford,  D.D.,  and  Dr.  H.  Clay  Trumbull. 

Money:  Its  Nature  and  Power. 

A.  F.  Schauffler,  D.D. 

Suggestions  to  Missionary  Speakers. 

J.  Campbell  White. 

The  Unfinished  Task.  (Book,  paper  covers,  211  pages.) 

James  L.  Barton,  D.D. 

The  ?Story  of  the  Boston  Conference. 

Rev.  Warren  P.  Landers. 

The  above  books  may  be  secured  for  $1.00,  postpaid,  by  sending 
order  with  remittance  to  the  Laymen’s  Missionary  Movement, 
1  Madison  Avenue,  New  York  City. 


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